System, method, network entity and device for connecting a device to a communications network

ABSTRACT

The system includes a device of a plurality of devices and a network entity for connecting the device to a communications network. The device is arranged for attempting to access the network while providing an identification of the device to the network entity. The network entity is arranged for receiving the access attempt from the device, and determining the identification of the device. The network entity determines an identification of a subscription associated with the device from a first database of the system. The network determines whether the identified subscription has the device associated therewith in a second database. The network entity allows the device to connect to the network entity or prevents the device from connecting to the communications network depending on the above determinations.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/997,476, filed on Jun. 24, 2013, which is the U.S. national phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/EP2010/070707 filed on Dec. 23, 2010,which designated the U.S., the entire contents of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a method, network entity and device forconnecting a device to a communications network. More specifically theinvention relates to connecting a device not having a subscription to acommunications network.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, devices that want to use a mobile internet connection, andhaving no access to a wireless access point, must be equipped with amodule (e.g. a 2G or 3G module) that offers mobile internet access via acommunication network. Such a device also requires a subscription, e.g.arranged via a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. A subscriber has asubscription at an operator of the communication network. This operatorhas a Radio Access Network (RAN), which provides Radio Access, and aService Network, which provides amongst others services and billing.When this subscriber visits another country, it needs to get RadioAccess via a Visiting RAN. In order to get this access, the operator ofthe Visiting RAN must have a roaming agreement with the operator withwhich the subscriber has the subscription.

A subscriber can also have a subscription at a Mobile Virtual NetworkOperator (MVNO). This MVNO can have an own Service Network, but has noown RAN. So, the MVNO always needs roaming agreements with one or moreoperators.

A device manufacturer or vendor can design its device to function in asimilar way.

When a device manufacturer or vendor designs its devices to function insaid similar way, problems or disadvantages may arise. The devicemanufacturer or vendor must provide Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM's).When these SIM's are provided by an operator, the device manufacturer orvendor must have arrangements with this operator and the buyer of thedevice must become subscriber of that operator. When these SIM's areprovided by the device manufacturer or vendor (which then becomes MVNO)the device manufacturer or vendor must have roaming agreements forcountries where the device will be sold, and the buyer of the devicemust become subscriber of this MVNO. The user of such a device may needan (prepaid or postpaid) account that is related to the SIM in thisdevice. If the owner has many of such devices, he has a multitude ofsuch accounts, and e.g. in case of prepaid accounts each one needs adeposit. A device equipped with such a module and SIM, must registeritself. At registration, relations are established and the devicebecomes reachable at a public identity. These procedures create anoverhead for a device that only needs to send data.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to allow a class of electronic devicesto connect to a communications network, such as mobile internet, wherebyat least some of the above disadvantages are obviated. Thereto,according to the invention is provided a system including a device of aplurality of devices and a network entity for connecting the device to acommunications network. The device includes a transmitting unit arrangedfor transmitting an access attempt to the network entity, and anindication unit arranged for indicating an identification of the deviceto the network entity. The network entity includes a receiving unitarranged for receiving the access attempt from the device, a firstdetermination unit arranged for determining the identification of thedevice, a first accessing unit arranged for accessing a first databaseof the system, said first database including for each device of theplurality of devices an identification of at least one subscriptionassociated therewith, and a second determination unit arranged fordetermining from the first database the identification of at least onesubscription associated with the device. The network entity furtherincludes a second accessing unit arranged for accessing a seconddatabase of the system, said second database including for eachsubscription of a plurality of subscriptions an identification of atleast one device associated therewith, and a third determination unitarranged for determining whether the at least one subscriptionidentified from the first database as being associated with the devicehas the device associated therewith in the second database. The networkentity further includes a selection unit arranged for connecting thedevice to the communications network if the third determination unitdetermines that the identified at least one subscription has the deviceassociated therewith, and preventing the device from connecting to thecommunications network if no identification of the device has beendetermined by the first determination unit, if no identification of atleast one subscription associated with the device has been determinedfrom the first database, or if not at least one identified subscriptionhas the device associated therewith in the second database. Theselection unit can also be arranged for preventing the device fromconnecting to the communications network if not a profile or an accountof at least one identified subscription allows connecting the device tothe communications network.

Hence, the identification of a subscription associated with the device,e.g. an identity of a user of the device, attempting to connect to thecommunications network is determined from the first database. Knowingthe identification of the subscription, the second database is queriedin order to determine whether the subscription associated with thedevice in the first database is also included in the second database andhas the device associated therewith in the second database. This allowsfor verifying the subscription associated with the device.

According to an aspect the access attempt includes the identification ofthe device. Then the first determination unit is arranged fordetermining the identification of the device from the access attempt.

The first database is communicatively connectable to the network entity.The first database can be part of the communications network or part ofthe network entity. Alternatively, the first database is placed outsidethe communications network and outside the network entity. The seconddatabase is communicatively connectable to the network entity. Thesecond database can be part of the communications network or part of thenetwork entity. Alternatively, the second database is placed outside thecommunications network and outside the network entity.

It is possible that the first database is maintained by, or on behalfof, a manufacturer or vendor of the device. It is possible that thesecond database is maintained by, or on behalf of, a network operator.In that case, from the first database a subscription associated with thedevice is provided by, or on behalf of, the manufacturer or vendor. Forthe identified subscription it may be verified in the second databasemaintained by, or on behalf of the network operator, that thesubscription is indeed known to the network operator and has the deviceassociated therewith as far as the network operator is concerned. It mayalso be verified if the profile or account associated with thesubscription allows the device to be connected to the communicationsnetwork. This provides the advantage that malafide connection attemptscan be prevented to succeed.

It will be appreciated that the user of the device need not be a humanbeing, but may also be a further device invoking said device.

According to an aspect, the first database includes an identification,such as a hardware identification (HW-id) or Internet Protocol (IP)Multimedia Private Identity (IMPI), of the device and an identification,such as an IP Multimedia Public Identity (IMPU), of the at least onesubscription.

According to an aspect, the second database includes an identification,such as an IMPU, of the subscription and an identification, such as ahardware identification (HW-id) or IMPI, of the at least one device.

According to an aspect, the device includes a worldwide uniqueidentification, such as comprising a vendor identification and a serialnumber of the device. Hence, the device can be used in the systemanywhere in the world without ambiguity.

According to an aspect, the system includes a plurality of seconddatabases each associated with one of a plurality of network operators,wherein the network entity comprises a fourth determination unitarranged for determining the network operator associated with thesubscription identified as associated with the device from the firstdatabase, and a second selection unit arranged for selecting the seconddatabase associated with the determined network operator from theplurality of second databases and for adjusting the second accessingunit to access the second database associated with the determinednetwork operator.

This provides the advantage that the system can identify the networkoperator associated with the subscription associated with the device,e.g. using the first database, when a plurality of network operators isavailable. Hence, the relationship between subscriptions of a networkoperator and devices associated with said subscriptions can bemaintained in a dedicated second database for each network operator.This provides the advantage that the associations between subscriptionsand devices can be stored in a distributed fashion. This also allows forreduced network traffic towards and from each second database.

According to an aspect, the system includes a plurality of firstdatabases each associated with one of a plurality of device groupidentifiers, wherein the network entity comprises a fifth determinationunit arranged for determining a device group identifier of theconnecting device, and a third selection unit arranged for selecting thefirst database associated with the determined device group identifierfrom the plurality of first databases and for adjusting the firstaccessing unit to access the first database associated with thedetermined device group identifier. This provides the advantage that thedevice identifications can be distributed over a plurality of firstdatabases. In an embodiment, the device group identifier is indicativeof a producer of the device, a vendor of the device, a provider of thedevice, a type of device, a country in which the device is used, or thelike. This allows for distributed storage of the associations betweendevices and subscriptions. This also allows for reduced network traffictowards and from each first database.

In an embodiment, the communications network is an Internet ProtocolMultimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. In that case the second database canbe associated with, or incorporated in, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

The invention also relates to a network entity for connecting a deviceof a plurality of devices to a communications network. The networkentity, includes a receiving unit arranged for receiving an accessattempt from a connecting device, a first determination unit arrangedfor determining an identification of the connecting device from theaccess attempt, a first accessing unit arranged for accessing a firstdatabase, said first database including for each device of the pluralityof devices an identification of at least one subscription associatedtherewith, a second determination unit arranged for determining from thefirst database an identification of at least one subscription associatedwith the connecting device, a second accessing unit arranged foraccessing a second database, said second database including for eachsubscription of a plurality of subscriptions an identification of atleast one device associated therewith, a third determination unitarranged for determining whether the at least one subscriptionidentified from the first database as being associated with theconnecting device has the device associated therewith in the seconddatabase, and a selection unit. The selection unit is arranged forconnecting the connecting device to the communications network if thethird determination unit determines that the identified subscription hasthe connecting device associated therewith, and preventing theconnecting device from connecting to the communications network if noidentification of the connecting device has been determined by the firstdetermination unit, if no identification of at least one subscriptionassociated with the connecting device has been determined from the firstdatabase, or if not at least one identified subscription has theconnecting device associated therewith. The selection unit can also bearranged for preventing the connecting device from connecting to thecommunications network if not a profile or an account of at least oneidentified subscription allows connecting the connecting device to thecommunications network.

According to an aspect, the network entity further includes a fourthdetermination unit arranged for determining the network operatorassociated with the identified subscription associated with theconnecting device, and a second selection unit arranged for selectingthe second database associated with the determined network operator froma plurality of second databases each associated with one of a pluralityof network operators.

According to an aspect, the network entity further includes a fifthdetermination unit arranged for determining a device group identifier ofthe connecting device, and a third selection unit arranged for selectingthe first database associated with the determined device groupidentifier from a plurality of first databases each associated with oneof a plurality of device group identifiers.

The invention also relates to a method for connecting a device of aplurality of devices to a communications network. The method includes:

-   -   providing a first database including, for each device of the        plurality of devices, an identification of at least one        subscription associated therewith,    -   providing a second database including, for each subscription of        a plurality of subscriptions, an identification of at least one        device associated therewith,    -   having the device attempt to access the communications network,    -   retrieving an identification of the device from the access        attempt,    -   assessing from the first database an identification of the at        least one subscription associated with the device,    -   assessing from the second database whether the subscription        identified from the first database as being associated with the        device has the device associated therewith in the second        database, and    -   connecting the device to the communications network if the        identified subscription has the device associated therewith, and    -   preventing the device from connecting to the communications        network if no identification of the device has been determined,        if no identification of a subscription associated with the        device has been determined, or if the identified subscription        does not have the device associated therewith.

According to an aspect, the method for connecting a device of aplurality of devices to a communications network, includes:

-   -   receiving, by a network entity of the communications network, an        access attempt to the communications network from a device,    -   retrieving, by the network entity, an identification of the        device from the access attempt,    -   accessing, by the network entity, a first database (6)        including, for each device of the plurality of devices, an        identification of at least one subscription associated        therewith,    -   assessing, by the network entity, from the first database (6)        the identification of the at least one subscription associated        with the device,    -   accessing, by the network entity, a second database (8)        including, for each subscription of a plurality of        subscriptions, an identification of at least one device        associated therewith,    -   assessing, by the network entity, from the second database (8)        whether the subscription identified from the first database as        being associated with the device has the device associated        therewith in the second database, and    -   connecting the device to the communications network if the        identified subscription has the device associated therewith in        the second database, and    -   preventing the device from connecting to the communications        network if no identification of the device has been determined,        if no identification of a subscription associated with the        device has been determined, or if the identified subscription        does not have the device associated therewith. The method can        also include preventing the device from connecting to the        communications network if a profile or an account of the        identified subscription does not allow connecting the device to        the communications network.

According to an other aspect, the method for connecting a device of aplurality of devices to a communications network includes:

-   -   transmitting unit, by the device, an access attempt to a network        entity of the communications network,    -   indicating, by the device, an identification of the device,    -   accessing, by the device a first database of the system, said        first database including for each device of a plurality of        devices an identification of a subscription associated        therewith,    -   determining, by the device, from the first database the        identification of a subscription associated with the device,    -   accessing, by the device, a second database of the system, said        second database including for each subscription of a plurality        of subscriptions an identification of at least one device        associated therewith,    -   determining, by the device, whether the subscription identified        from the first database as being associated with the device has        the device associated therewith in the second database, and    -   instructing, e.g. by the device, the network entity to        -   allow the device to connect to the communications network if            the device determines that the identified subscription has            the device associated therewith, and to        -   prevent the device from connecting to the communications            network if no identification of the device has been            determined, if no identification of a subscription            associated with the device has been determined from the            first database, or if the identified subscription does not            have the device associated therewith in the second database.

The method can also include instructing the network entity to preventthe device from connecting to the communications network if a profile oran account of the identified subscription does not allow connecting thedevice to the communications network.

According to an aspect, the method further includes assessing whether aprofile or an account of the identified subscription allows the deviceto connect to the communications network, and only if the profile and/oraccount allows connecting, allowing the device to connect to thecommunications network.

In an embodiment, the method includes assessing whether a networkoperator associated with the subscription is servicing, or havingroaming agreement with, the communications network. In a more elaborateembodiment, the method includes debiting an account of the subscriptionassociated with the device for connection of the device with thecommunications network.

The invention also relates to a computer program product includingsoftware code portions arranged for performing, when run on aprogrammable apparatus, the steps of

-   -   providing a first database including, for each device of the        plurality of devices, an identification of at least one        subscription associated therewith,    -   providing a second database including, for each subscription of        a plurality of subscriptions, an identification of at least one        device associated therewith,    -   having the device attempt to access the communications network,    -   retrieving an identification of the device from the access        attempt,    -   assessing from the first database an identification of the at        least one subscription associated with the device,    -   assessing from the second database whether the subscription        identified from the first database as being associated with the        device has the device associated therewith in the second        database, and    -   connecting the device to the communications network if the third        determination unit determines that the identified subscription        has the device associated therewith, and    -   preventing the device from connecting to the communications        network if no identification of the device has been determined        by the first determination unit, if no identification of a        subscription associated with the device has been determined from        the first database, or if the identified subscription does not        have the device associated therewith in the second database. The        computer program product can also be arranged to perform, when        run on a programmable apparatus, the step of preventing the        device from connecting to the communications network if a        profile or an account of the identified subscription does not        allow connecting the device to the communications network.

The invention also relates to the device of the system according to theinvention. The device is arranged to attempt to connect to thecommunications network.

In an embodiment, the device includes a transmitting unit arranged fortransmitting an access attempt to a network entity of the communicationsnetwork, and an indication unit arranged for indicating anidentification of the device to the network entity.

In an embodiment, the device includes a transmitting unit arranged fortransmitting an access attempt to a network entity of the communicationsnetwork, an indication unit arranged for indicating an identification ofthe device to the network entity, and an instruction unit. Theinstruction unit is arranged for instructing the network entity to

-   -   determine the identification of the device,    -   access a first database of the system, said first database        including for each device of a plurality of devices an        identification of a subscription associated therewith,    -   determine from the first database the identification of a        subscription associated with the device,    -   access a second database of the system, said second database        including for each subscription of a plurality of subscriptions        an identification of at least one device associated therewith,    -   determine whether the subscription identified from the first        database as being associated with the device has the device        associated therewith in the second database,    -   allow the device to connect to the communications network if the        network determines that the identified subscription has the        device associated therewith, and    -   prevent the device from connecting to the communications network        if no identification of the device has been determined by the        network entity, if no identification of a subscription        associated with the device has been determined from the first        database, or if the identified subscription does not have the        device associated therewith in the second database.

The instruction unit can also be arranged for instructing the networkentity to prevent the device from connecting to the communicationsnetwork if a profile or an account of the identified subscription doesnot allow connecting the device to the communications network.

In an embodiment, the device includes a transmitting unit arranged fortransmitting an access attempt to a network entity of the communicationsnetwork, an indication unit arranged for indicating an identification ofthe device, a first accessing unit arranged for accessing a firstdatabase of the system, said first database including for each device ofa plurality of devices an identification of a subscription associatedtherewith, a second determination unit arranged for determining from thefirst database the identification of a subscription associated with thedevice, a second accessing unit arranged for accessing a second databaseof the system, said second database including for each subscription of aplurality of subscriptions an identification of at least one deviceassociated therewith, a third determination unit arranged fordetermining whether the subscription identified from the first databaseas being associated with the device has the device associated therewithin the second database, and an instruction unit. The instruction unit isarranged for instructing the network entity to

-   -   allow the device to connect to the communications network if the        third determination unit determines that the identified        subscription has the device associated therewith, and to    -   prevent the device from connecting to the communications network        if no identification of the device has been determined by the        first determination unit, if no identification of a subscription        associated with the device has been determined from the first        database, or if the identified subscription does not have the        device associated therewith in the second database.

The instruction unit can also be arranged for instructing the networkentity to prevent the device from connecting to the communicationsnetwork if a profile or an account of the identified subscription doesnot allow connecting the device to the communications network.

The device connectable to the communications network of the system,and/or using the above method may

-   -   use mobile internet, via some access network;    -   use only limited amounts of data transfer;    -   use only outgoing connections, i.e. it is not reachable but        connects to internet when needed;    -   be produced for worldwide market, i.e. the producer of the        device does not know where in the world the device will be sold;    -   be delivered all around the world, and preferably the vendor of        the device should not need to configure the device per market;    -   need some payment method to pay for the wireless access, via the        said access network;    -   can be a gift-item, e.g. provided by a shop as part of a        marketing campaign;    -   can have an amount of credit preloaded, which credit can be used        in any country where the device is sold/provided; and/or    -   doesn't have the means to store configuration information like        the identity of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further elucidated by means of non-limitingexamples referring to the drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a communications network system;

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a connection method;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a connection method;

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a connection method;

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a communications network system;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a communications network system;

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of a communications network system; and

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a communications network system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention. Thesystem 1 comprises a device 2. The device 2 is one of a plurality ofdevices 2.i. All devices of the plurality of devices 2.i can be similar,or identical, except for an identification of each device. Preferably,the device identification is a hardware identification (HW-id). In thisexample, the device 2 has an identification that is worldwide unique.The uniqueness can be provided by e.g. a producer/vendor-identificationcombined with a serial number (e.g. like a known Media Access Control(MAC) address).

The device 2 is used by a user 4. The user 4 can be a person.Alternatively, the user 4 can be a further device invoking the use ofthe device 2. In this example, the user 4 of the device 2 is associatedwith a subscription with a network operator servicing, or having aroaming agreement with, the communications network. Here, thesubscription has an account that is related to a mobile phonesubscription of the user. The account of the user can be debited by athird party, when agreed upon by the user.

The system 1, in this example, comprises a first database 6 whererelations from the device to one or more subscriptions are maintained.The first database 6 includes for each device 2 of the plurality ofdevices 2.i an identification of at least one subscription associatedtherewith. In this example, the first database 6 is maintained by e.g.the device-provider 9, the device-producer or the device-vendor.

The system 1, in this example, further comprises a second database 8where relations from subscription to devices are maintained. The seconddatabase 8 includes for each subscription of a plurality ofsubscriptions an identification of at least one device 2 associatedtherewith. In this example, the second database 8 is maintained by e.g.the network operator 12 of the user's mobile phone 10.1.

In this example, the system 1 further comprises an activation unit 10.The activation unit 10 can take many forms. In the example of FIG. 1,the activation unit 10 presents three types of activation entities 10.1,10.2, 10.3. The first activation entity 10.1 is embodied as a mobilephone of the user 4. The second activation entity 10.2 is embodied as apoint-of sales (POS) terminal. The third activation entity 10.3 isembodied as a personal computer, e.g. running a dedicated website.

A method exists to connect the device 2 to one or more subscriptions. Inan exemplary embodiment, this method can be performed as follows.

The activation unit 10 (e.g. the phone 10.1, a point-of-sales terminal10.2, or user 4 using a website 10.3) retrieves (e.g. visually orelectronically) the identification of the device 2 and theidentification of the subscription, and requests via databasemaintainers 9 and 12 of the first and second database 6 and 8respectively, to create a relation between these in said databases 6 and8. Optionally, the user 4 approves the setting. Approval may not beneeded when the user 4 uses his/her own phone, associated with thesubscription, to create the relation. Both the first database 6 and thesecond database 8 are updated to include the relation.

Once the first database 6 and second database 8 are updated, the deviceis able to be connected to the communications network, in this examplecomprising the internet 18. Thereto, the device attempts to connect toan access network 16 of the communications network. The access network16 is that part of the communications network which provides an entrypoint for communication between the device and the remainder of thecommunications network. Upon this connection attempt, the device 4provides its identification to the access network 16. Next, theidentification of at least one subscription associated with the device 2is retrieved, based on the device identification, from the firstdatabase. Once the identification of the at least one subscription hasbeen obtained, it is verified with the network operator 12, based on thesecond database 8, whether or not at least one of the at least onesubscriptions associated with the device 2 is a subscription of thenetwork operator 12. If at least one of the at least one subscriptionsassociated with the device 2 is a subscription with the network operator12, the device 4 may be granted access to the communications network,e.g. to the internet 18, by the access network 16.

More in general, a method for connecting the device 2 of the pluralityof devices 2.i to a communications network includes providing the firstdatabase 6 including, for each device of the plurality of devices 2.i,an identification of at least one subscription associated therewith,providing a second database 8 including, for each subscription of aplurality of subscriptions with a network operator servicing, or havinga roaming agreement with, the communications network, an identificationof at least one device associated therewith, having the device 4 attemptto access the communications network, retrieving an identification ofthe device 4 from the access attempt, assessing from the first database6 an identification of the at least one subscription associated with thedevice 2, assessing from the second database 8 whether the identified atleast one subscription associated with the device 2 is a subscriptionwith the network provider, and if the identified subscription associatedwith the device 2 is identified as a subscription of the networkprovider allowing the device 2 to connect to the communications network.

Alternatively, according to the invention a method for connecting adevice 2 to a communications network, includes providing a firstdatabase 6 including, for each device 2 of a plurality of such devices,a relationship between each such device and one or more subscriptionsassociated with that device, providing a second database 8 including,for each subscription of a plurality of subscriptions of a networkoperator 12, a relationship between each such subscription and one ormore devices associated with that subscription, having the deviceattempt to connect to the communications network, assessing from thefirst database 6 an identity of a subscription associated with thedevice, assessing from the second database 8 whether the identifiedsubscription associated with the device is a subscription of the networkoperator, if the identified subscription associated with the device isidentified as a subscription with the network operator, assessingwhether a profile and/or account associated with the subscription at thenetwork operator allows the device to connect to the communicationnetwork, and if the profile and/or account allows connecting, allowingthe device to connect to the communications network.

It will be appreciated that the profile and/or account may allowconnecting by default. It is also possible that the profile and/oraccount only allows connecting if a condition is met, e.g. if debitingis enabled.

Thus, the system 1 includes the device 2 of the plurality of devices 2.iand a network entity 20 for connecting the device 2 to a communicationsnetwork. In this example, the network entity 20 is embodied (orincluded) by the access network 16. In an Internet Protocol (IP)Multimedia Subsystems (IMS) application, the network entity 20, may e.g.be embodied by a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF).

Now, referring to FIG. 7, the system 1 including the device 2 of theplurality of devices 2.i and the network entity 20 for connecting thedevice 2 to a communications network is shown.

The device 2 includes a transmitting unit 22 arranged for transmittingan access attempt to the network entity. The device 2 also includes anindication unit 24 arranged for indicating an identification of thedevice 2 to the network entity. The identification of the device can beincluded in the access attempt.

The network entity 20 includes a receiving unit 26 arranged forreceiving the access attempt from the device 2. The network entity 20further includes a first determination unit 28 arranged for determiningthe identification of the device 2. The network entity 20 furtherincludes a first accessing unit 30 arranged for accessing the firstdatabase 6 of the system 1, including for each device 2 of the pluralityof devices 2.i an identification of at least one subscription associatedtherewith. The network entity further includes a second determinationunit 32 arranged for determining from the first database 6 anidentification of a subscription associated with the device 2.

The network entity 20 further includes a second accessing unit 34arranged for accessing the second database 8 of the system, includingfor each subscription of a plurality of subscriptions an identificationof at least one device associated therewith. The network entity furtherincludes a third determination unit 36 arranged for determining whetherthe subscription identified from the first database 6 as beingassociated with the device 2 has the device 2 associated therewith inthe second database 8. The network entity 20 further includes aselection unit 38 arranged for connecting the device 2 to thecommunications network if the third determination unit 36 determinedthat the identified subscription has the device 2 associated therewith,and for preventing the device 2 from connecting to the communicationsnetwork if no identification of the device has been determined by thefirst determination unit 28, if no identification of a subscriptionassociated with the device 2 has been determined from the first database6, or if the identified subscription does not have the device 2associated therewith in the second database 8. The selection unit 38 canfurther be arranged for preventing the device 2 from connecting to thecommunications network if a profile or an account of the identifiedsubscription associated with the device 2 does not allow connecting thedevice 2 to the communications network.

In the above example, the network entity 20 can autonomously access thefirst and second databases 8, and determine whether or not to allow thedevice 2 to access the communications network, e.g. in response toreceiving the access attempt from the device 2.

In an alternative embodiment, the device 2 further includes aninstruction unit 25. The instruction unit 25 is arranged for instructingthe network entity 20 to perform the steps of determining theidentification of the device, accessing the first database 6,determining from the first database 6 the identification of asubscription associated with the device, accessing the second database8, and determining whether the subscription identified from the firstdatabase 6 as being associated with the device 2 has the deviceassociated therewith in the second database 8. The instruction unit 25is also arranged to instruct the network entity 20 to perform the stepsof allowing the device to connect to the communications network if thenetwork determines that the identified subscription has the deviceassociated therewith, and of preventing the device from connecting tothe communications network if no identification of the device has beendetermined by the network entity, if no identification of a subscriptionassociated with the device has been determined from the first database6, or if the identified subscription does not have the device associatedtherewith in the second database 8. Optionally, the instruction unit 25is also arranged to instruct the network entity 20 to perform the stepof preventing the device from connecting to the communications networkif a profile or an account of the identified subscription does not allowconnecting the device to the communications network. It will beappreciated that the instruction unit can provide separate instructionsfor each of the above steps. Alternatively, the instruction unit canprovide combined instructions for instructing the network entity toperform multiples steps in response to one combined instruction. Theinstruction unit can also provide one overall instruction forinstructing the network entity to all above steps in response to theoverall instruction (including or excluding the optional step, asdesired).

In an embodiment the system 1 comprises a plurality of second databases8.i (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) each associated with one of a plurality ofnetwork operators. The network entity then comprises a fourthdetermination unit 40 arranged for determining the network operatorassociated with the identified subscription associated with the device2, and a second selection unit 42 arranged for selecting the seconddatabase associated with the determined network operator from theplurality of second databases 8.i and for adjusting the second accessingunit 34 to access the second database 8 associated with the determinednetwork operator.

In an embodiment the system 1 comprises a plurality of first databases6.i each associated with one of a plurality of device group identifiers.Such device group identifier may be indicative of a producer of thedevice, a vendor of the device, a provider of the device, a type ofdevice, a country in which the device is used, etc. The network entity20 then comprises a fifth determination unit 44 arranged for determininga device group identifier of the connecting device, and a thirdselection unit 46 arranged for selecting the first database 6 associatedwith the determined device group identifier from the plurality of firstdatabases 6.i and for instructing the first accessing unit 30 to accessthe first database 6 associated with the determined device groupidentifier. The device group identifier may e.g. be determined from theaccess attempt and/or from the identification of the device 2. Thedevice identification may e.g. include a device group identifier such asa producer/vendor/provider-identification, a device type identification,a country indication etc.

It will be appreciated that the transmitting unit 22, indication unit24, instruction unit 25 (and 39), receiving unit 26, first determinationunit 28, first accessing unit 30, second determination unit 32, secondaccessing unit 34, third determination unit 36, selection unit 38,fourth determination unit 40, second selection unit 42, fifthdetermination unit 44, and third selection unit 46 can be embodied asdedicated electronic circuits, possibly including software codeportions. The transmitting unit 22, indication unit 24, instruction unit25 (and 39), receiving unit 26, first determination unit 28, firstaccessing unit 30, second determination unit 32, second accessing unit34, third determination unit 36, selection unit 38, fourth determinationunit 40, second selection unit 42, fifth determination unit 44, andthird selection unit 46 can also be embodied as software code portionsexecuted on, and e.g. stored in a memory of, a programmable apparatussuch as a server in the communications network.

More in general, the system 1 includes the device 2 of the plurality ofdevices and a network entity 20 for connecting the device 2 to acommunications network. The device 2 is arranged for attempting toaccess while providing an identification of the device to the networkentity 20. The network entity 20 is arranged for receiving the accessattempt from the device, and determining the identification of thedevice. The network entity is arranged for accessing the first database6 of the system, including for each device 2 of the plurality of devices2.i an identification of at least one subscription associated therewith,and for determining an identification of a subscription associated withthe device. The network entity 20 is arranged for accessing the seconddatabase 8 of the system, including for each subscription of a pluralityof subscriptions an identification of at least one device 2 associatedtherewith, and for determining whether the identified subscription is asubscription having the device 2 associated therewith in the seconddatabase. The network entity 20 is arranged for connecting the device tothe communications network if the identified subscriber has the deviceassociated therewith, and for preventing the device from connecting tothe communications network if no identification of the device has beendetermined, if no identification of a subscription associated with thedevice has been determined, or if the identified subscription does nothave the device associated therewith, and optionally preventing thedevice from connecting to the communications network if a profile and/oran account of the identified subscription associated with the devicedoes not allow connecting the device to the communications network.

The system of FIG. 1 further includes a debiting database 14. In thisexample, the debiting database is associated with the network operator12 of the subscription associated with the users mobile phone.

Also a method exists to debit an account, related to use of the device2. Such method may be performed as follows. The identification of atleast one subscription of the device 2 must be retrieved, based on thedevice identification, from the first database. Once the identificationof the at least one subscription has been obtained, it can be verifiedwith the network operator 12, from the second database 8, whether or notat least one of the determined subscriptions has the device 2 associatedtherewith in the second database, i.e to the knowledge of the networkoperator 12. If at least one of the identified subscriptions has thedevice 2 associated therewith in the second database 8, the accountbelonging to said user can be debited.

It is also possible that the device 2 has a credit associated therewith.This credit can be debited for use of the device. Preferably, the creditassociated with the device 2 can be debited in any country where thedevice is provided. It is for instance possible that the creditassociated with the device 2 is debited, until depleted, before anaccount belonging to the subscription associated with the device 2 isdebited for use of the device 2. The credit associated with the device 2can be seen as a preloaded credit, e.g. as a prepaid account associatedwith the subscription associated with the device 2.

In one embodiment, the first database 6 also contains an indication ofthe preloaded credit. This indication may form the preloaded account foruse of the device 2. It can be a selection rule, that (while notdepleted) this preloaded account should be used first (i.e. before anaccounts belonging to the subscription is used).

In another embodiment third database 8′ is used for this. This thirddatabase is maintained by, or on behalf of, the device producer/vendor.In this embodiment the second accessing unit 34, rather than accessingthe second database 8, accesses the third database 8′. Selection rulescan specify that this third database 8′ should be accessed prior toaccessing the second database 8. The third database 8′ includes for eachdevice 2 an indication of, a remaining amount of, a preloaded credit.From the third database 8′ the second accessing unit retrieves anindication that the device 2 may be granted access to the communicationsnetwork as long as the preloaded credit is not depleted. Once the secondaccessing unit 34 retrieves from the third database 8′ an indicationthat the preloaded credit associated with the device 2 is depleted, thesecond accessing unit accesses the second database 8, and the method asdescribed above with respect to the second database is continued.

In yet another embodiment, the credit associated with the device 2 maybe transferred to the subscription associated with the device. It is forinstance possible that this credit is transferred to a pre-paid accountassociated with said subscription. It is also possible that the creditis transferred to a post-paid account.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the user 4 associatinghis/her subscription to the device 2 by using his/her phone 10.1. Here,the phone 10.1 of the user 4 is used for providing the identification ofthe device 2 to the first database 6 and second database. In thisexample, the device 2 is provided with a 2D-barcode, e.g. printed on it,which contains the HW-id. Optionally, the device 2 contains a public keyof the device 2, e.g. also included in the barcode. In this example, theuser 4 uses a camera of his/her phone 10.1 to retrieve this information.An application in the phone 10.1 is used to communicate with the networkoperator 12 associated with the subscription of the user 4 relating tothe phone 10.1. By communicating the device identification to thenetwork operator 12, the second database 8 (connecting devices tosubscriptions) may be updated to include the device 2 as beingassociated with the subscription of this user 4. The application in thephone 10.1 may also be used to communicate with the device provider. Bycommunicating the device identification and subscription identificationto the device provider 9, the first database 6 (connecting subscriptionsto devices) may be updated to include the subscription as beingassociated with the device 2.

In this example, as the request to update the second database is madefrom the mobile phone, the network operator does not need additionalauthentication by the subscriber.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the user 4 associatinghis/her subscription to the device 2, by using a point-of-sales (POS)terminal 10.2. Here, the POS terminal 10.2 is used for providing theidentification of the device 4 and subscription to the first database 6and second database. In this example, the POS terminal 10.2 is used toscan the 2D-barcode of the device 4. A sales-person may e.g. enter anidentification of the subscription, e.g. an MSISDN of the user's phone10.1.

An application in the POS terminal 10.2 is used to communicate with thenetwork operator associated with the entered MSISDN. By communicatingthe device identification and subscription identification to the networkoperator 12, the second database 8 (connecting devices to subscriptions)may be updated to include the device 2 as being associated with thissubscription. The application in the POS terminal 10.2 may also be usedto communicate with the device provider 9. By communicating the deviceidentification and subscription identification to the device provider 9,the first database 6 (connecting subscriptions to devices) may beupdated to include the subscription as being associated with this device2. As the request to update the second database is not made from themobile phone, the telecom provider may request approval from thesubscriber, e.g. via SMS.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the device 2 obtaininginternet access using its subscriptions credit.

The device 2 requests internet access via the Access Network 16. In therequest, the device 2 indicates its own identification. The accessnetwork 16 recognizes the type of request, and knows the procedures andprotocols to use, i.e. it knows how to contact the first database 6 andsecond database 8 and debiting database 14 and how to debit the accountof the subscription. The access network 16 transmits the identificationof the device 2 to the first database 6, and retrieves theidentification of at least one subscription associated with the device2. Next, the access network 16 verifies with the network operator 12whether or not at least one of the subscriptions has the device 2associated therewith in the second database 8. If at least one of theidentified subscriptions has the device 2 associated therewith in thesecond database 8, the account belonging to said user can be debited,using the debiting database 14.

It will be appreciated that in practice the access network provider musthave a (direct or indirect) business relation with the network operatorthat handles the account of the user. I.e. the access network providermust be able to retrieve the money that has been paid by the user. It isoutside the scope of this invention to describe such a mechanism.

FIG. 5 shows a first example of the invention applied in an InternetProtocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communications network.

In the example of FIG. 5 the user 4 has a subscription, here IMSsubscription 1. The user 4 has two Private User Identities (IMPI's),here IMPI-1 and IMPI-2 that are related to this subscription, e.g. twoGSM phones. In FIG. 5, the user has two Public User Identities (IMPU's),here IMPU-1 and IMPU-2 that are related to these IMPI's, e.g. a SessionInitiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (SIP-URI) and atelephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-URI) at which the phone(s) ofthis user 4 can be reached.

In the example of FIG. 5, the user 4 associates his/her subscriptionwith two devices, here identified by IMPI-3 and IMPI-4. The user 4connects these devices to one of his phones, identified by an IMPU orIMPI, i.e. establishes a relation between a phone and these devices. Forinstance, the user associates the devices with his phone identified byIMPI-1. Here, the first database 6 now specifies that IMPI-4, i.e. theHW-id of one of the devices, is connected to IMPU-1. It will beappreciated that IMPU-1 is a public identifier, that can be traced to anIMS subscription associated with IMPI-1. In the Home Subscriber Server(HSS) IMPI-1, IMPI-2, IMPI-3 and IMPI-4 are connected to thesubscription of the user. Thus, the HSS functions as second database inthis example.

FIG. 6 shows a second example of the invention applied in an IMScommunications network. In this example, two users 4 each have asubscription, IMS subscription 2 and IMS subscription 3, respectively.Each user 4 has one IMPI (IMPI-5 and IMPI-6, respectively) that isrelated to his/her subscription. Each user has one IMPU (IMPU-5 andIMPU-6, respectively) that is related to the respective IMPI. Both usersjointly associate their subscriptions with the device 2 identified byIMPI-7. Both users associate this device to their phones (identified byIMPI-5 and IMPI-6, respectively). Thus, both users 4 establishes arelation between their phone and this device. In the HSS, acting assecond database, IMPI-5 and IMPI-7 are connected to the subscription ofthe one user and IMPI-6 and IMPI-7 are connected to the subscription ofthe other user.

The first database 6 specifies that IMPI-7 (the HW-id of the device) isconnected to IMPU-5 and IMPU-6 (both being public identifiers, that canbe traced to IMS subscriptions of the two users).

It will be appreciated that wireless devices 2, such as IMPI-4, may nothave an IMPU associated therewith, so they can't be called, but they canhave service profiles, to specify the charging rules. The wirelessdevice 2, such as IMPI-4, can be related to more than one subscriptionin the same network (e.g., within the same HSS).

Optionally, the wireless devices 2 can be identified by a new type ofidentifier, which behaves almost like an IMPI both with minordifferences (as described above).

Within an IMS embodiment, the Resource List Server (RLS) is a possibleentity to implement the function of first database 6. ExistingExtensible Markup Language (XML) Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP)methods, as supported by RLS, can be used to read and write the dataabout relation from device to user(s).

Within an IMS embodiment, the HSS is the preferred entity to implementthe function of second database 8. Internally in the HSS, the standardHSS mechanism to connect IMPI's and IMPU's can be used. Externally, theHSS must support a new method via which an entity can request to createa relation between a phone (identified by IMPU or IMPI) and a device 2.

Within an IMS embodiment, the Charging and Billing System is thepreferred entity to implement a debit interface. An existingRo-interface can be used for this. If needed, accessed via a wrapperfunction which limits the use of the interface to what is needed forthis use case. The operations Credit Control request (CCR) Balance Check(to check credit for this specific wireless device) and CCR DirectDebiting (to debit the users account) are used. The parameterSubscription-Id-Data identifies the end-user (IMS subscription), so someIMPU is used. The parameter User-Equipment-Info identifies the device 2that wants to debit the end-users account. Some IMPI is used. The IMPI(format of user realm) is very flexible scalable.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a system 1 including a device2 of a plurality of devices and a network entity 20 for connecting thedevice to a communications network.

In this example, the device 2 again includes the transmitting unit 22and the indication unit 24 as explained with respect to FIG. 7. Thedevice also includes an instruction unit designated with referencenumeral 39. In this example, the device 2 further includes the firstaccessing unit 30 arranged for accessing the first database 6, thesecond determination unit 32 arranged for determining from the firstdatabase 6 the identification of a subscription associated with thedevice, the second accessing unit 34 arranged for accessing the seconddatabase 8, and the third determination unit 36 arranged for determiningwhether the subscription identified from the first database 6 as beingassociated with the device 2 has the device associated therewith in thesecond database (8). Hence, the second determination unit 32 determinesfrom the first database 6 the identification of a subscriptionassociated with the device, on the basis of the device identificationgenerated by the indication unit 24. The third determination unit 36determines whether the subscription identified from the first database 6as being associated with the device 2 has the device associatedtherewith in the second database (8). The instruction unit 39 arrangedfor instructing the network entity 20 to allow the device to connect tothe communications network if the third determination unit (36)determines that the identified subscription has the device associatedtherewith, and to prevent the device from connecting to thecommunications network if no identification of the device has beendetermined by the first determination unit (28), if no identification ofa subscription associated with the device has been determined from thefirst database (6), if the identified subscription does not have thedevice associated therewith in the second database (8), or if a profileor an account of the identified subscription does not allow connectingthe device to the communications network.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the device 2plays an active role in determining whether or not the device is allowedto access the communications network.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

When a Service Profile is connected to an IMPI, this Service Profile cancontain rules on how the device 2 may be used in connection with theassociated subscription. The Service Profile can for instance specifywhether or not use of the device 2 should be debited in connection withthe associated subscription. The Service Profile can e.g. contain ruleson how the device 2 may use the account associated with thesubscription. There can e.g. be settings on maximum debit per month,maximum debit per access. It is also possible that the Service Profilecontains rules on a maximum number of devices to be associated with thesubscription, or rules preventing use of (certain predetermined classesof) devices in connection with said subscription.

The first database 6 can contain more than one subscription for a device2. This means that, when an account must be debited, selection rules areneeded on which account to debit. Such selection rules can e.g. beround-robin, random, split-payment, etc.

The first database 6 can contain more than one subscription for a device2. Subscribers can connect their subscriptions to devices themselves,according to the basic embodiment. Optionally, a procedure can exist todisconnect a subscription from a device in the first database 6.

When a device 2 allows the access network to debit an account, the nodethat maintains the account may need proof of the authenticity of therequest. Optionally, the system is able to verify the originator of therequest (the HW-device) and/or is able to verify that the mentionedamount to be debited is approved by the originator of the request. Thiscan be achieved by signing the request, e.g. encrypting it with aprivate key.

However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are alsopossible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, tobe regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does notexclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in aclaim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed aslimited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, anddo not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures arerecited in mutually different claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system including a device of a pluralityof devices and a network node for connecting the device to at least onecommunications network, the device comprising a processor and a memoryhaving instructions for execution by the processor to cause atransmitter to transmit an access attempt to the network node with anindication of an identification of the device to the network node, thenetwork node including a processor and a memory having instructions forexecution by the processor to: cause a receiver to receive the accessattempt from the device, determine the identification of the device,access a first database maintained by vendor of the device, said firstdatabase including for each device of the plurality of devices anidentification of at least one subscription to a communications networkassociated therewith, determine from the first database theidentification of a subscription to a communications network associatedwith the device, access a third database maintained by a vendor of thedevice, said third database including a plurality of records for aplurality of devices, respectively, each one of the plurality of recordsfor a device including credit information associated with the device,determine from the credit information a credit associated with thedevice, access a second database maintained by network operator of thedevice, said second database including a plurality of records for aplurality of subscriptions respectively, each one of the plurality ofrecords for a subscription including a relationship between thesubscription and an identification of at least one device associatedtherewith, determine whether the subscription identified from the firstdatabase is present in the second database and whether that subscriptionis associated with the device in the second database, and connect thedevice to the communications network if the processor determines thatthe credit associated with the device is sufficient and that theidentified subscription to the communications network from the firstdatabase is present in the second database and is associated with thedevice in the second database, and prevent the device from connecting tothe communications network, if the device has been determined not tohave an association identified subscription in the first database, thatthe credit associated with the device is depleted in the third database,or that the identified subscription to the communications network doesnot have the device associated therewith in the second database.
 2. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the system further includes: aplurality of second databases each associated with one of a plurality ofnetwork operators, and wherein the network node processor is furtherconfigured to: determine the network operator associated with thesubscription identified as associated with the device from the firstdatabase, select the second database associated with the determinednetwork operator from the plurality of second databases, and access thesecond database associated with the determined network operator.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the system further includes: adebiting database maintained by network operator of the device, saiddebiting database including a plurality of records for a plurality ofdevices respectively, each one of the plurality of records for a deviceincluding a relationship between the device and an account of theidentified subscription associated therewith, wherein the network nodeprocessor is further configured to: determine from the debiting databasean account of the identified subscription associated with the device,and assess whether a network operator associated with the identifiedsubscription is servicing, or has a roaming agreement with, thecommunications network, and optionally debit the account of thesubscription associated with the device for connection of the devicewith the communications network.
 4. The system according to claim 1,wherein the identification of the device is indicated to the networknode by a phone.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein theidentification of the device is indicated to the network node by apoint-of-sales (POS) terminal.
 6. The system according to claim 1,wherein the identification of the device is indicated to the networknode by a computer.
 7. A network node for connecting a device of aplurality of devices to a communications network, the network nodecomprising: a receiver configured to receive an access attempt from thedevice, a processor system comprising a processor and a memory, theprocessor system being configured to: determine an identification of thedevice from the access attempt, access a first database maintained byvendor of the device, said first database including for each device ofthe plurality of devices an identification of at least one subscriptionto one communications network associated therewith, determine from thefirst database the identification of a subscription to thecommunications network associated with the device, access a thirddatabase maintained by a vendor of the device, said third databaseincluding a plurality of records for a plurality of devices,respectively, each one of the plurality of records for a deviceincluding credit information associated with the device, determine fromthe third database a credit associated with the device, access a seconddatabase maintained by network operator of the device, said seconddatabase including a plurality of records for a plurality ofsubscriptions respectively, each one of the plurality of records for asubscription including a relationship between the subscription and anidentification of at least one device associated therewith, determinewhether the subscription identified from the first database as beingassociated with the device has the device associated therewith in thesecond database, connect the device to the communications network inresponse to a determination that the credit associated with the deviceis sufficient and the identified subscription to the communicationsnetwork from the first database is present in the second database and isassociated with the device in the second database, and prevent thedevice from connecting to the communications network if noidentification of the device has been determined, if the device has beendetermined not to have an association identified subscription in thefirst database, if the credit associated with the device is depleted, orif the identified subscription to the communications network does nothave the device associated therewith in the second database.
 8. Thenetwork node according to claim 7, wherein the processor system isfurther configured to: determine the network operator associated withthe identified subscription associated with the connecting device, andselect the second database associated with the determined networkoperator from a plurality of second databases each associated with oneof a plurality of network operators.
 9. The network node according toclaim 7, wherein the processor system is further configured to: access adebiting database maintained by network operator of the device, saiddebiting database including a plurality of records for a plurality ofdevices respectively, each one of the plurality of records for a deviceincluding a relationship between the device and an account of theidentified subscription associated therewith, determine from thedebiting database an account of the identified subscription associatedwith the device, and assess whether a network operator associated withthe identified subscription is servicing, or has a roaming agreementwith, the communications network, and optionally debit the account ofthe subscription associated with the device for connection of the devicewith the communications network.
 10. A device configured to connect to acommunications network, the device comprising: a transmitter configuredto transmit an access attempt to a network node of the communicationsnetwork, and a processor system comprising a processor and a memory, theprocessor system being configured to: indicate an identification of thedevice to the network node, and instruct the network node to determinethe identification of the device, access a first database maintained byvendor of the device, said first database including for each device of aplurality of devices an identification of at least one subscription toone communications network associated therewith, determine from thefirst database the identification of a subscription to thecommunications network associated with the device, access a thirddatabase maintained by a vendor of the device, said third databaseincluding a plurality of records for a plurality of devices,respectively, each one of the plurality of records for a deviceincluding a credit associated with the device, determine from the thirddatabase a credit associated with the device, access a second databasemaintained by network operator of the device, said second databaseincluding a plurality of records for a plurality of subscriptionsrespectively, each one of the plurality of records for a subscriptionincluding a relationship between the subscription and an identificationof at least one device associated therewith, determine whether thesubscription identified from the first database as being associated withthe device has the device associated therewith in the second database,allow the device to connect to the communications network if the networkdetermines that the credit associated with the device is sufficient andthe identified subscription to the communications network from the firstdatabase is present in the second database and is associated with thedevice in the second database, and prevent the device from connecting tothe communications network if no identification of the device has beendetermined by the network node, if the device has been determined not tohave an association identified subscription in the first database, thecredit associated with the device is depleted, or the identifiedsubscription to the communications network does not have the deviceassociated therewith in the second database.
 11. The device according toclaim 10, wherein the processor system is further configured to:determine the network operator associated with the identifiedsubscription associated with the connecting device, and select thesecond database associated with the determined network operator from aplurality of second databases each associated with one of a plurality ofnetwork operators.
 12. The device according to claim 10, wherein theprocessor system is further configured to: access a debiting databasemaintained by network operator of the device, said debiting databaseincluding a plurality of records for a plurality of devicesrespectively, each one of the plurality of records for a deviceincluding a relationship between the device and an account of theidentified subscription associated therewith, determine from thedebiting database an account of the identified subscription associatedwith the device, and assess whether a network operator associated withthe identified subscription is servicing, or has a roaming agreementwith, the communications network, and optionally debit the account ofthe subscription associated with the device for connection of the devicewith the communications network.